Class of 2027 student studying Biomedical Engineering, a member of the Field Hockey team, from Heemstede, Netherlands.
Getting to Know Noor Hellemans ’27
A Message of Thanks
I am forever grateful to all the donors who made my experience at Fairfield possible. When I was finishing high school in the Netherlands, I had no idea what I wanted to do next. Then Kingstalent, a company that helps Dutch student-athletes attend college in the United States, reached out to me about the opportunity to study and play field hockey in America. I loved the idea and the opportunity, but I didn’t really know what the experience would be like.
Now, after three years at Fairfield, I can honestly say it has been the best decision of my life. Every day, I have the opportunity to grow both in the classroom and on the field. We have incredible facilities, from our brand-new water-based field hockey field to our locker room, weight room, and training room. We also have access to great academic resources and people who genuinely want to help us succeed. It gives us everything we need to become better athletes and students.
More importantly, Fairfield has become a second home for me on the other side of the world. I’ve made memories and friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors.
Thank you for believing in student-athletes like me and making experiences like this possible.
My Favorite Memory From This Season
My favorite memory from this past season was winning the NEC Championship back-to-back at home. We had worked all year for that moment, and it definitely wasn’t always easy. Everyone had to step outside of their comfort zone, take on new roles, and try new things.
One of the values we focused on all season was “26.” We are 26 different individuals, each with our own strengths and roles on the team, but together we become one. By the end of the season, all the little puzzle pieces started falling into place. Everything just felt right.
When we stepped onto the field for the final, we knew that if everyone played their role, we had a great chance of winning — and that’s exactly what happened.
I enjoyed every single minute of that game. We were playing great field hockey, the atmosphere was incredible, and it meant so much to see so many other Fairfield student-athletes there supporting us. Their energy gave us an extra boost and showed what a special athletic community we have.
I’ll never forget the feeling of winning a championship at home with my best friends. It was one of the most special moments of my college career.
What I Love About Being a Fairfield Student-Athlete
I really enjoy being surrounded by people who love their sport and are motivated to become a little better every day. Getting to train, compete, and work toward the same goals with my teammates is something I look forward to every single day.
Being part of this team has given me a second home. We do everything together, and we are always there for each other through the tough moments and the celebrations. The friendships I’ve built here are something I’ll always be grateful for, and they have made my experience at Fairfield even more special.
My Favorite Fairfield Memory
My favorite Fairfield memory was the team dinner we had during NEC Championship week at the seniors’ beach house. Everyone was so happy and excited, and you could really feel how close we had become as a team.
The weather was amazing, and we were all sitting outside, talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company with music playing in the background and a beautiful view of Long Island Sound. As the sun slowly set, everything just felt perfect.
Later that evening, we did an exercise where we wrote down what we appreciated about each teammate. It brought us even closer together, and it was so easy to list all the amazing qualities that everyone on the team brings. It reminded me how special our group really is.
Every time I watch videos from that night, I wish I could close my eyes for a second and go back to that moment. It’s one of those memories I’ll always carry with me.
How Fairfield Has Shaped Me
Moving away from my family and everything I knew at the age of 17 was a big step, but it helped me grow into a more independent and confident person.
I’ve made friends from all over the world who will be part of my life forever. I’ve also made countless memories that I’ll never forget, from dancing with my teammates in the locker room to spending time at the beach house and studying late together in the library. Every time I think about those moments, they instantly make me smile.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how incredibly welcoming the people I’ve met in America are. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. Families welcomed me into their homes for holidays, invited me on vacations, and treated me as if I were part of their own family. That kindness made being so far away from home much easier, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Living abroad has also taught me to appreciate the little things even more. I know this chapter of my life won’t last forever, which has taught me to enjoy every moment instead of taking it for granted. At the same time, it has made me appreciate my family and home in the Netherlands even more.
Fairfield has shown me that it’s possible to have two places that feel like home, and that’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Looking Ahead
After Fairfield, I plan to continue my studies in the Netherlands. Right now, I’m considering studying medicine because I enjoy helping others and find the human body fascinating.
At the same time, part of me wishes this chapter of my life didn’t have to end. The friendships, memories, and experiences I’ve gained at Fairfield are things I’ll always cherish. I hope to come back often to visit my teammates, coaches, and everyone who made Fairfield feel like home.
